Prosecution Appeals Not Guilty Verdict
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) is preparing to appeal the acquittal verdict issued by the High Anti-Corruption Court on February 11, 2026, to a former deputy head of a regional state administration. The defendant was found not guilty of soliciting a $200,000 bribe. The funds were requested in exchange for issuing an order to allocate a state-owned forest plot to a private company for long-term use.
Pre-Trial Investigation
The pre-trial investigation in this case was conducted by detectives of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). In May 2024, the former official approached a representative of a private enterprise with a request for an unlawful benefit. This request concerned the favorable resolution of an issue regarding the allocation of 19 hectares of state-owned forest land for recreational purposes. The company had repeatedly petitioned the regional state administration but received refusals without explanation.
The official explained the document submission process and promised to resolve the matter for $200,000, noting that the decision needed to be coordinated with the head of the regional administration and the funds distributed between them. However, the crime regarding the direct receipt of the unlawful benefit was not fully proven. SAPO now intends to challenge this court decision.
This case is significant for Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the persistent challenges within its judicial system. The acquittal underscores the difficulties law enforcement faces in gathering conclusive evidence in corruption cases. SAPO's appeal could open new avenues for further investigation and also impact public trust in the country's anti-corruption framework, which has been a key focus of international support and domestic reform.